Hydrilla

HydrillaHydrilla vercillata

This species is very similar in appearance to Common Waterweed. The easiest way to identify Hydrilla is to look for the small leaves arranged in clusters of 5 leaves around the stem. Hydrilla leaves also have tiny "teeth" along the leaf edges, however, these can sometimes be difficult to see. Hydrilla can be a problem species because it will form large mats that can be a nuisance to boaters. Hydrilla is an excellent food source for waterfowl and forms a habitat for fish.